In my football career, I had many important people cross my path to help me get to the NFL. My pastor, Bishop Keith Butler, played a vital role in my spiritual development. My family, loved me and provided the best support group that they could for me. But an often overlooked, but invaluable person in a child's life is a coach!
I remember during my sophomore year of high school, we had a big game against our cross-town rivals, Orchard Lake St. Mary's. Coach DeAngelo put in a play for me to score a touchdown during the week, and I was waiting for my moment. Coach called the play, and it worked! I was wide open ready to score a touchdown. Only one thing was missing...I dropped the ball! I could have just crawled underneath the grass, I was devastated.
The very next week, Coach DeAngelo called the same play again. This time the senior was in the game, and I thought I had missed my opportunity to do something special. That was until coach realized that I wasn't in the game for the play! He found me on the sidelines and insisted that I get in there. Not only did I get in there, but I jumped over the defensive back to catch the ball!
Coach DeAngelo's confidence in me allowed me to have confidence in myself. From that point on I became an All-American receiver, an All-Big Ten receiver, and ultimately a 4 year career in the NFL. This can be directly attributed to the fact that a coach saw something in me, that I didn't see in myself.
If you are a coach, or a parent, don't underestimate your influence over your child or the kids you are working with. You have the ability to instill in the child a confidence that they can do anything they put their minds to. Don't give up on them, and I promise, they will surprise you with how successful they will be in life.
1 comment:
I agree. I always tend to look back and think alot about the things my high school basketball coach said. Although I never listened (knucklehead), I can now relay those same messages to troubled youth I encounter.
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